A mugger who was caught when he was spotted on CCTV cashing in his victim’s winning betting slip has been jailed for two years.

Anthony Paget (39) of Carnlough Road, Cabra, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to robbing Mark O’Brien in Dublin city centre on June 9, 2013. He had 39 previous convictions including one for a serious assault.

Judge Martin Nolan said Paget, who is a father of five, was arrested “following good police work”. He accepted Paget made admissions but said it was a serious crime that frightened the victim.

Garda Patrick Gallagher told Dara Hayes BL, prosecuting, that Mr O’Brien was walking along Millennium Bridge when a girl with “a skinny face and a Dublin accent” approached him and asked him for a change.

He told her to “clear off” before a “fella came from behind” and lifted him up in a choke hold while another man patted him down.

Mr O’Brien was not able to give a description of the men but told gardaí they took his wallet which included a winning Boyle Sport betting slip, a bank card and a Luas card.

Gda Gallagher said no verbal threats were issued but “something” was put to the victim’s neck.

The following day gardaí retrieved CCTV footage from a nearby Boyle Sports where Paget and his two accomplices could be seen cashing in the betting slip.

Paget was nominated as a suspect and later told gardaí he bought snow blow and alcohol with the cashed in bet. Mr O’Brien’s wallet was found on him when he was arrested.

The female accomplice is due to be sentenced later after she pleaded guilty to the offence, while the second man is due to stand trial.

Emmet Nolan BL, defending said his client was remorseful for his behaviour on the night.

Counsel said his client is illiterate having never sat State exams and has spent over 10 years living on the streets. He came in touch with a “bad peer group” and by 19 years old he was a heroin addict.